Van der Walt, Rodrick win Sparc Systems Jnr Golf

Carlo van der Walt and Zitta Rodrick on Saturday won the Southern Region Junior Monthly Golf Tournament which was sponsored by Sparc Systems Limited at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC).

Playing off 27 handicap, van der Walt counted out Akuzike Kumsinda (36 handicap) after tying on net 71 in a tight contest that went down to the wire. Mangasulwa Kyumba (36 handicap) came third on net 75 in the boys category.

The winners pose with sponsors

Van der Walt described the competition as tight, saying: “It was tough, but I remained focused up to the end. I would like to thank the sponsors, Sparc Systems, for such a wonderful tournament, my parents for their unwavering support as well as the junior golf committee.”

Incredibly, Rodrick (26 handicap), the winner in girls category, also had a 71 net score while her runner-up Talumba Ntaba (36 handicap) had a 75 net. Quasira Lambart (33 handicap) was third on net 80.

In the boys’ nine-hole category, Meer Mamtora emerged winner with 140 strokes followed by Rick Chikwekwe (69 strokes) while Josh Suzi-Banda was third (63 strokes). Alyssa Araujo won the girls category (64 strokes) while Lohan Siraj (69 strokes) was her runner-up.

Jessie Chirwa was the champion in the five-hole category followed by Mina Karuku while Ann-Rose Chirwa was third.

In the three-hole category, the winner was Mitty Karuku whereas three-year-old Alvin Chirwa was the runner-up.

Sparc Systems technical sales manager Alena Chiwaya said they sponsored the event in line with their policy to promote sports at junior level.

“Two weeks ago, we also sponsored a national junior tennis competition because as a Malawian company, we feel obliged to help develop sports at junior level to groom future stars,” she said.

BSC golf captain Sam Mwale expressed gratitude to Sparc Systems for their continued support, saying: “Only yesterday [Saturday], you sponsored a seniors’ golf tournament, this demonstrates your commitment towards the development of the sport.

“The junior development golf programme, which was initiated by the Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) is already bearing fruits and it can only continue to succeed with the help of partners such as Sparc Systems.” n